WEDNESDAY June 14, 2023
An Entreaty for Peace
Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.
Acts 12:20
King Herod had an angry disposition; he wanted war, but the people from Tyre and Sidon wanted to make peace. They had offended the king in some way and sought a swift reconciliation. Tyre and Sidon were trade cities wanting good trading relations with Herod for their food supply. Interestingly, these same people from Lebanon sent King Solomon timber to build the Temple. They floated timber down the sea, and the king’s men hauled it across dry land to Jerusalem. King Solomon had more of a peaceful disposition. He made a trade agreement with the Sidonians:
Now therefore, command that they cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians (1 Kings 5:6).
Hiram, the king of Tyre, was easily entreated, and he gave a respectful and honorable reply to seal the deal:
Blessed be the LORD this day, for He has given David a wise son over this great people! ... I have considered the message which you sent me, and I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress logs (1 Kings 5:7-8).
The generosity and agreeableness between these two kings benefited both lands. The king of Tyre requested an ongoing trade agreement:
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; I will float them in rafts by sea to the place you indicate to me. ... And you shall fulfill my desire by giving food for my household. ... there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together (1 Kings 5:9,12).
Every day we have to deal with both righteous and unrighteous people in positions of authority. It is important to seek peaceful relations with them.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
~Romans 12:18~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
